Valer Austin

Valer Austin is a permaculturalist involved with desert greening. Based in southern Arizona, she is known for promoting ecological restoration through water conservation and holistic land management.

A graduate of Hollins University, Mrs. Austin is the wife of Joe Austin. In 2005, the couple founded the Cuenca Los Ojos Foundation, based at their El Coronado Ranch. Their work has been recognized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the United States Geological Survey, as well as The Nature Conservancy. In addition, Austin has served on the advisory board for the Borderlands Research Institute for Natural Resource Management at Sul Ross State University, located in the Big Bend region of West Texas.